50. Which was a characteristic feature of the Neolithic Age?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2019]
A. Microliths as the dominant innovation
B. Handaxes and cleavers alone
C. Agriculture and animal domestication
D. Iron weapons
Answer: C. Agriculture and animal domestication
Explanation: The Neolithic economy rested increasingly on farming and domesticated animals, supported by polished stone tools, pottery and permanent settlements.
49. **Which of the following site-period associations are correct?
- Hunsgi — Lower Palaeolithic
- Kurnool caves — Upper Palaeolithic
- Sarai Nahar Rai — Mesolithic**
[UPSC CDS – 2019]
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Hunsgi preserves Lower Palaeolithic remains, Kurnool caves contain Upper Palaeolithic evidence including bone implements, and Sarai Nahar Rai is an important Mesolithic burial site.
48. Burzahom, the Neolithic site, is situated in:
[SSC CHSL – 2019]
A. Jammu and Kashmir
B. Mizoram
C. Karnataka
D. Goa
Answer: A. Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: Burzahom lies near Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley and is renowned for pit houses, bone tools, animal remains and unusual burial practices.
47. The Neolithic site Chirand is located in which state?
[SSC MTS – 2019]
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. Rajasthan
D. Gujarat
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: Chirand lies in Bihar’s Saran region near the Ganga and is especially noted for its substantial collection of bone and antler implements.
46. Who discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters?
[SSC GD – 2019]
A. H. D. Sankalia
B. V. S. Wakankar
C. R. E. M. Wheeler
D. John Marshall
Answer: B. V. S. Wakankar
Explanation: Archaeologist Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar recognised the archaeological significance of Bhimbetka during the late 1950s and played a major role in its subsequent study.
45. The pebble-tool or chopper-chopping tradition is especially associated with which prehistoric culture?
[SSC CPO – 2019]
A. Soanian Palaeolithic
B. Neolithic Kashmir
C. Chalcolithic Deccan
D. South Indian Megalithic
Answer: A. Soanian Palaeolithic
Explanation: The Soanian tradition of the north-western subcontinent is strongly associated with pebble-based choppers, chopping tools and related Lower Palaeolithic technology.
44. Which of the following accurately describes Mesolithic rock art in India?
[UPSC CAPF – 2019]
A. Bhimbetka has no Mesolithic paintings
B. Bhimbetka contains important prehistoric rock art
C. Prehistoric paintings occur only in Kashmir
D. Painting began only after iron technology
Answer: B. Bhimbetka contains important prehistoric rock art
Explanation: Mesolithic rock paintings provide evidence of animals, hunting, dancing and collective activity, and Bhimbetka is India’s most celebrated example.
43. In which period did polished stone tools become widespread?
[RRB NTPC – 2019]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Mesolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Iron Age
Answer: C. Neolithic
Explanation: Grinding and polishing became characteristic of Neolithic stone-working technology, unlike the predominantly chipped and flaked implements of earlier phases.
42. Which period is also called the New Stone Age?
[SSC – 2019]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Mesolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Chalcolithic
Answer: C. Neolithic
Explanation: Neolithic literally means “New Stone.” The period witnessed farming, animal domestication, polished stone technology, pottery and increasingly permanent settlements.
41. From which Mesolithic site has evidence of animal domestication been found?
[UPPSC – 2018]
A. Bori
B. Bagor
C. Lakhaniya
D. Ajanta
Answer: B. Bagor
Explanation: Bagor in Rajasthan contains important evidence showing the gradual development of animal domestication within a predominantly Mesolithic cultural context.
